Macro-invertebrates as Indicator of Water Quality of Egbe Reservoir, Egbe-Ekiti, Nigeria
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Date
2016
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Nature and Science
Abstract
The study of macro-invertebrate fauna and physico-chemical parameters of Egbe-Reservoir was
conducted from May – July, 2009. Physico-chemical parameters of the water samples were determined using
standard methods. Sampling of macro-invertebrates was done by Kick sampling method and the macro-invertebrates
found were identified under light microscope using low power (10X) and scanning power (40X) magnifications. The
Macro-invertebrates obtained from the reservoir composed; Melanoids tuberculata which has 53.3% by number of
total macro-invertebrates, Biophalaria pfeifferi 6.7%, Lymnae natalensis 22.5%, Hirudinea 13.3%, oligochaetae
with 2.5% and Odonata with 1.7% by number of total macro-invertebrates. The result showed variation in the
physico-chemical parameters at different sampling stations in the reservoir. The physico-chemical parameters
determined during the period of study fall within optimal limit for productive freshwater. Statistical analysis of the
result showed that there were significant correlations (p≤0.05, r=0.555) between Biochemical Oxygen Demand and
Dissolved Oxygen. Also, there was an inverse significant correlation (p≤0.05, r=-0.536) between Earthworm and pH.
Based on the result recorded during the period of study, Egbe Reservoir was found to be fairly unpolluted and
should be subjected to regular monitoring It must however be well treated before consumption. The significant
relationship between physico-chemical parameters and macro-invertebrates of the reservoir showed that physicchemical parameters influenced the distribution of macro-invertebrates of the reservoir